A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Katsina State, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, has faulted ongoing peace negotiations with bandits, describing them as meaningless since the armed groups are not surrendering their weapons.
Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government, said bandits have continued to carry out attacks in parts of the state despite claims of progress in the peace process.
He noted that during many of the negotiation meetings, bandits were openly seen with rifles and dressed in military camouflage, raising doubts about the sincerity of the exercise.
Daily Post gathered that Katsina has witnessed several peace deals with bandits over the years, yet attacks have persisted. Residents often express fear during dialogue sessions as many of the armed groups attend such meetings heavily armed.
Peace meetings in some frontline local governments are reportedly held almost every weekend, but communities still come under attack shortly after the dialogues.
According to Inuwa, peace cannot be sustained if bandits retain their weapons and continue to subject villagers to forced labour.
“The government must ensure the disarmament of the bandits before any peace deal can be meaningful,” he said.